“You must—Ohhhh! Can’t you trust me at all?”
“You’re suppose to be my prisoner, remember?” he barked.
Sarra hoped that affection would ease his angered pride. She slunk over to him and slid her hands behind his nape. He scowled, but he didn’t pull away. She felt dizzy in his presence while she ran her cheek upon his soft black shirt. “I’m a captive, but I’m also a wife,” she murmured. “And I have a husband who’s out to save a world.”
He drew her close, relishing her blue rose scent. “I’m selfish,” he confessed. “I’ll miss you, alone in my bed.”
“You’ll miss … me?” she breathed.
He glided his hands lustily across her bottom. “What man wouldn’t?”
Sarra swallowed back her hurt. He had said nothing about missing her.
Raine caught his crudeness. He debated on telling her about his emotion while he guided her to the bed. There he stripped her bare and ravished her, tenderly torturing her sexuality until she was wanton and pleading.
“I’ll let you go,” he muttered hoarsely. “But be gone only for a day. I’ll be lonely, without you near me.”
Her dark-blue eyes lit up. “Only for a day,” she promised.
He took her, his passion at a savage pitch … and then he used her leisurely, loving her until she fell into an exhausted sleep. He held her, savoring her beauty.
Never had he known a woman like this, one who could wholly fulfill his lust, but always leave him craving her.
Before the dawning of a very precarious day, the revelation came to him while she slept, hitting him with such force that he had to say it aloud.
“Sarra,” he whispered. “I love you.”
***
Raine stopped the auto at the edge of the wooded grove. Sarra peered out on the valley below. Beyond the vast verdant meadows was the perimeter of the Royal Estate. She would take the west entrance onto the forty-five thousand acres, since this location would be the safest for Raine to escape from.
“Sarra, it’s a long way down,” he quietly discouraged. “We should have taken two autos. I’ll give you this one.”
“No, really. I want to walk,” she insisted. “It will do me good.”
He sighed deeply, and leaned across the seat to draw her close. She slid her arms behind his back, and clung.
“You be careful,” he muttered.
“You, too.”
He kissed her, his tongue warmly probing hers until the fire began to ignite. She pulled away, trembling.
“I have to go now,” she softly pleaded.
He nodded solemnly. “We’ll meet tomorrow at noon?”
“Yes. Be here?”
His eyes glowed. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Sarra stepped out and bent into the open window. “Leave now. You’re much too close to the palace.”
She moved back when he started the vehicle. For a moment, she was surprised. His gaze devoured her, as if seeing beyond her pink dress, but he watched her strangely—differently. Although she couldn’t decipher the look, it filled her with surges of hope …
She turned away, and embarked on her trek down the slope. As he left, she didn’t know why she cried. She brushed her tears away, traveling the soft grasses, running until the fragrance of the wildflowers eventually calmed her …
Sarra couldn’t know that Raine had parked a distance away. He kept his M-5 in one hand, ready for any possible threat to her, and used his binoculars, having much to desire in her hour-long journey. He straightened, alert as a convoy neared her. He relaxed; they were her guards. When certain about her safety, he reared the craft and sped away …
Sarra felt that nothing could be odder. She had just waltzed right out of her abduction into the midst of the Royal Guard. Nearly a score of men rushed out from the five military vehicles and surrounded her, bowing and shouting in complete chaos. Clearly, they couldn’t believe their eyes.
“It’s the princess!” a soldier cried.
“My God!” another gasped.
“Is she real?”
“She looks healthy—very healthy!”
“Your Royal Highness, are you well? Should I carry you?”
Sarra held up her hand to stop the commotion. When they became silent, she gave them the regal nod. “I am home, as you can see. I thank you all for your service. If you please, I am on my way to see the king.”
“Your Royal Highness, allow me,” one said urgently, offering her admission into his transport.
Sarra didn’t want a ride, for then she would arrive at the palace in only a few minutes. She was exhilarated with the prospect of seeing her father and aunt again, but also feared telling them about her shocking story. “No,” she declined. “I can manage.”
The crowd parted swiftly as she started her graceful stroll. Many men escorted her on foot, their faces stern and wary while searching the sky for danger. She sensed that they all were embarrassed for collectively having lost their calm, having the enviable status of the Royal Guard. But they weren’t the only ones who displayed spontaneous emotion. As she crossed the boundary line, more troops gathered around. Cries of: “The princess! She’s here!” rang out from everywhere. Her entourage was behind her, beside her, walking backwards before her, talking excitedly until the air became a noisy rumble. It wasn’t long before she reckoned that the size of her accompaniment was getting a little ridiculous. She accepted a ride to the palace.
Sarra refused assistance and strode up the high, ornate steps by herself. Militiamen, dressed in the gold and black ceremonial uniform, lined both sides of the immense entrance; all she saw were astonished faces and bowing. When she reached the top, she took a deep breath and ventured through the doorway.
She hurried toward the Royal Apartments, and she heard her father’s voice—he was angry, shouting at someone. She bit her lip and ran toward the sound, but when she turned the corner, she saw why he was upset. His grooms were strenuously holding him back. He knew about her arrival and wanted to go out and meet her, even though he wore only a gray dressing robe, not fit to address his subjects. He looked thin and exhausted, but to Sarra he was the most joyous sight her eyes had ever seen.
Suddenly, his jaw dropped and he stumbled backward. He stared at her like she was a phantom that would vanish.
“Father!” she cried, bolting for him.
“Sarra!”
And then she was in his embrace, laughing and crying at the same time. And then Alma was there, joining the family circle, sobbing in her relief and joy.
“My darling child!” Ellis choked. “Heaven be praised!”
“Oh Sarra you’re safe!” Alma gushed.
Sarra gave them both a crushing hug. “I’ve missed you!”
“Oh, Daughter—we were so worried!” he cried. “Let me look at you!”
Ellis held her at arm’s length, ecstatic about seeing her healthy face, her bright smile. His eyes blurred with tears. “Beautiful as ever!” he uttered, yanking her to his chest and patting her head while he rasped, over and over again, “You’re home! You’re home!”
“Cousin Sarra!”
Terrance Shantay was in the doorway, his blue eyes wide with surprise. The blond-haired, tall and lanky boy was two years her junior and second in line to the Throne. Plainly, he had lived in the palace since her abduction, in the event that he must ascent into power.
He hurried for her. Although they had never really been close, having little in common, she gave him her friendliest squeeze. “Hello, Terrance!”
“Sarra! When did you escape? How? How did they treat you? Did you—”
“Terrance!” the king scolded. “Let her catch her breath! There will be time for questions, later. Daughter, you must be hungry. I’ll have the servants prepare something—a feast! A celebration! Anything that you desire!”
As Sarra settled into her grand homecoming, she was amazed by how it seemed that nothing had changed. The palace still ran like clockwork, the nearly three hundred members of the
household staff as efficient as ever, eager to catch a glimpse of her or to hear a kind regal word. All of Adriel was already buzzing with the news of her return. The media was desperate to interview her, but they weren’t allowed on the premises, as of yet. Seven of the King’s Advisors came and she greeted them informally, even while she secretly wondered if they were the enemy. She did all that she could to be patient and courteous, and tolerate the scrutiny. Soon her father and aunt—sensing her wish to be alone to reorganize herself—let her gracefully escape to the comfort of her private apartment.
It seemed like ages since she had been here, but her rooms were just how she had left them—complete with the wedding gown lying askew on the bed. She grimaced, reminded of Taylor Gray. She didn’t want to touch the dress, and told a young maid who was passing by to take it away.
Most everything surrounding her was the same, but she was different, inside. When Rhea and Marion came to ready her for the special feast, she returned their jubilant greetings but then dismissed their assistance. They left, puzzled. She relaxed in her huge whirlpool bath, being glad to have the use of her personalized shampoo again, and then chose a glamorous dark-blue gown from her lavish wardrobe. She dressed and studied her shimmering reflection, wishing that Raine could see her now.
When again in the cheery company of her family, Sarra’s laughter came free and light. She dined with her father, aunt and cousin, and they all deliberately avoided talking about her abduction—Terrance, only because he was warned not to. Alma looked quaint, her hazel eyes vivacious. And the king seemed to want to make this night the best one ever. Her happiness was due to the fact that he seemed healthy and vigorous, and excited about the future. He marveled about how, right now, it seemed like she had never been gone, at all.
He had great plans, saying that Lord Gray and she could resume their relationship where they had left off. Taylor was out of town but had called when hearing about her return, and was rushing home. Sarra was determined not to dwell on unpleasantness … but when the servants brought the cream pudding, the last course, she feared that her time was running out. And then came the moment for answers.
“So, Princess,” her father began. “I believe you know that we have many questions. My brave little girl, held captive by savages …”
“I have a lot to tell you. But …” She glanced meaningfully at her cousin who was oblivious to everything but his second helping of dessert.
The monarch clapped his hands together. “Terrance, have you finished the day’s school studies?”
The boy glanced up. “Uh, no.”
“You should get at it,” Ellis advised.
“But Sarra—she just came back!” he protested.
“You’ll have plenty of time to talk later. Now, go.”
Disappointed, Terrance obeyed. He knew that he had best not argue with the king.
When Sarra had the couple’s expectant eyes upon her, she moved to the window and looked out on the hazy and blue Aurora Sea. She tried to find the right words …
Ellis noticed the change in his daughter—she had an air of confidence about her that hinted that she was more accepting of her royal role. It seemed like she had left as a girl and had returned as a woman. She glowed. But, these differences—though they were for the better—made him nervous. What had happened to her? And, how had she escaped? Something was wrong …
He rose and went to her, and placed a comforting hand on her soft shoulder. “Take your time, Sarra. We need not speak of it, now.”
“No, I’m all right. I just … Father … you’d better sit down.”
Ellis slowly took his seat, mentally bracing himself. His worst fears, his suspicions were taking form …
Sarra didn’t know where to begin. She had worried so in the past about upsetting him—what would this scandalous news do to his health? But, she had to make him understand! He seemed strong, robust …
She met her aunt’s hazel eyes. “Alma, do you remember when you told me that you sensed trouble—great trouble?”
Alma nervously clasped her hands in her lap. “I do. Three days before you …” she trailed off.
“Yes, my abduction. Do you think that maybe the reason why you felt that way was because trouble was already here?”
She studied their blank expressions, and pressed on. “I’ve learned a lot these past weeks. I’ve seen things I never would have under normal circumstances. I was a prisoner—more like a commoner than the princess royal. It forced me to look beyond my title, at the suffering of the oppressed.”
“Suffering!” the king exclaimed. “Who is oppressed?”
“The rainbow miners.”
Relieved, Ellis relaxed. “So you have heard the rumors—the Revolutionaries told you that. Don’t you know that they only want the riches, that that is why those—those slimes abducted you? My advisors have investigated the mines, and I can assure you that there is no persecution there!”
“But, Father, I have seen it with my own eyes! Perhaps your advisors are lying, or maybe … corrupt. Can you tell me why else it took so long—why the ransom demands weren’t met?”
Ellis rose and started to pace, unable to keep the hurt out of his frail voice. “Who are they, Sarra? Who are these men that they can fill you with lies and make you doubt your own government? My advisors tried to work with them, but the rebels could never seem to decide exactly what it was that they wanted—I feared that you’d never be released! Every hour of every day of every week my heart was wrenched from me—worried sick about my precious child in the hands of barbarians! I was horrified when they recaptured you and took the dummy weapons without freeing you—I was terrified that you’d be killed! And then—glorious day—you come home! But, not with a cry for revenge, or a single outraged word. Who are they? What did they do?”
Sarra swallowed back her own hurt. “The Revolutionaries are not who you think that they are. They kidnapped me because there was no other choice—no one would hear them! They want to help Adriel and free the slaves in the rainbow mines!”
“Slaves!” Ellis cried. “Ahhh, Daughter, how naive you are! These men are greedy—they are filth! How can you believe them?”
“Father. Please listen. There is one rebel who calls himself Raine Nicks—he is their leader. He showed and explained it all to me. His family was murdered— “ She swiftly advised herself not to delve into this, right now. “All I will say is that he is a good man. I know him quite well and am certain that he speaks the truth. You must talk with him—he’ll make you understand!”
“Speak with their leader? I’ll do a good more than that! I’ll have him executed! I vowed on the instant of your abduction that I would!”
“No!” she cried. “You can’t do that! I won’t let you!”
Sarra realized that this wasn’t going very well. She desperately needed for her father to pardon Raine. Then, everything would be all right …
She could no longer deny that she secretly hoped to persuade Raine to stay—if not as her husband, as a lover. She wanted to show all of Adriel that he was hers. Truly, she wanted to keep him with her for the rest of her life. But the willful king might never agree to see him.
Her father’s gray eyes flashed. “You’d protect this man?” he roared. “You talk as though you are in love with him!”
“No!” she lied. “I’m not! But, if you would just meet him! You’d believe!”
Alma came in between them. “Ellis, Sarra—calm down!” she pleaded.
The king was furious. “No, I will not calm down, woman!” he raged.
Sarra ran over to the window and blinked back her tears. Alma used her fast persuasion to get the king back in his chair. Many moments she paraded between the two adversaries, keeping them apart. When tempers boiled down, in weary relief she took to her seat.
Suddenly, Ellis rasped, “And will Lord Gray find his bride a virgin?”
Sarra sighed, squared her shoulders, and shook her head.
Alma gasped.
El
lis shot up to his feet, his worst fear confirmed. “Good Lord! They raped you! I’ll kill them all, myself! I’ll kill them!”
Sarra whirled and rushed toward him. “Father, no! It wasn’t like that! It was only one man and he didn’t force me!”
“He didn’t … force …?”
“I mean, he … I—Oohhh! Look at this!” She flung out her left hand.
Incredulously, his gray eyes widened. “A ring?”
“He’s my husband,” she softly pleaded.
“What!”
Ellis grasped her forearm and held her tightly. He shut his eyes a long while, absorbing the shock. When he dared to meet her hopeful and searching blue eyes again, he was calmer. “Sarra, child, I believe I know what you have been through, and what has possessed you. You’ve been brainwashed. We’ll have this marriage annulled. We’ll have the medics look at you. Soon you’ll be as good as new.”
She shook her head. “No. My mind is clearer than it’s ever been. Father, please understand. I’m … pregnant.”
He stumbled backward. “What have they done to you? What have they done to you!”
Ellis collapsed, clutching his chest.
Within the chaos of the next moments, Sarra was consumed by her panic. She discovered that it was a guard who was pulling her off of her father as the medics gathered around him. Tears streamed down her face, and she saw her screaming aunt being carried away, out of the room.
“This will help you, Princess,” she heard a man say, and felt a cool, windy rush penetrating her nape.
***
Disoriented, Sarra opened her eyes. The world was spinning beneath her, but she focused and the dizziness stopped. She was in her room, lying on her bed. A medic was there, fussing with a tray on the bedside table. Two of the King’s Advisors, Zenno and Pratt, were with him, both seeming irritated and angered.
“Father!” she cried weakly. “Where’s Father?”
Zenno hurried to her. “Quickly, doctor,” he advised.
Sarra protested and struggled, but the dispenser was placed on her wrist and it injected a painless, airy stream of medication.
Zenno’s course voice exclaimed, “Oh, Princess Sarra, you have had such a shock!”
Queen of the Stars (The Royals of Adriel Book 1) Page 29
